ILindsay Nohl is the epitome of an outdoor enthusiast. Originally from Belmont, Massachusetts, her love for the outdoors developed through her passion for competitive sports. A talented athlete, she excelled in a variety of activities before focusing her energies on her soccer game. In fact, for over ten years, Lindsay dedicated her life to soccer and was on track to a professional career. However, when a knee injury ended that dream, she found herself searching for the next avenue that would allow her to quench her outdoor thirst.

Some NOLS students immediately know that they are destined to become instructors. Lindsay is one of those students. In September 2002, she embarked on a Fall Semester in the Rockies and never looked back. “I knew I wanted to become a NOLS instructor from the first week in the field,” recalls Lindsay. “And, at the end of my course, I knew I wanted to give others a similar life-changing experience.”

In 2004, Lindsay’s dream became a reality. After 35-days in the field, her enthusiasm for sharing her love for the outdoors was never more present. “I love how the wilderness strips down both instructors and students to their core and allows one to truly act like ‘themselves’ without all the influences of the outside world,” says Lindsay. “I love watching students be exhausted from a long, hard day but then later reflecting that it was by far their ‘best day in the field’.”

After Lindsay’s NOLS semester, she switched her focus to outdoor education. Her acceptance of an internship with the NOLS Alumni department in January 2003 began what she refers to as a “cascade of NOLS jobs.” Since that initial position she truly has become a jill-of-all-trades. For four years, Lindsay was a key figure at NOLS Southwest. Serving as an Operations Assistant, Rations Manager, Outfitting Manager and finally, Assistant Director, she was always available to ensure a course progressed smoothly. A stint in NOLS Professional Training provided her the opportunity to work with a variety of clientele not normally associated with a NOLS catalog course. As the current Annual Fund Manager, she works closely with donors who ensure NOLS will be available to students for years to come.

“I don’t think I have spent one day in my five years working for NOLS waking up and dreading going to work,” says Lindsay. “The most rewarding aspect of working at NOLS is I get to work in a place that I believe in. I know that what I am doing is having an impact and plays a part in a student having an amazing experience in the wilderness. Also, I go to work every day and interact with people I consider friends, not co-workers. The community of people that makes up and surrounds NOLS is really remarkable. It is second to none.”

When not in the field, you’ll still find Lindsay, as active as ever. Whether it’s soccer, softball, football,, cycling, climbing, snowboarding or simply playing with her dog Owen, this outdoorswoman is right at home in the great outdoors.